Turkey targets critics of Operation Olive Branch

Probe launched into conduct of leader of main pro-Kurdish party over criticism of Turkey's military offensive in Syria.

12 Feb 2018 21:01 GMT

Pervin Buldan and Sirri Surreya Onder of the pro-Kurdish HDP are under suspicion [Umit Bektas/Reuters]

Turkish authorities have arrested at least 666 people since the beginning of a major military operation in northern Syria.

The detained are accused of spreading "terror propaganda".

The Turkish prosecutor has also launched a probe into the conduct of the leader of the main pro-Kurdish party over criticism of the country's offensive in Syria.

Pervin Buldan, Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) leader, and her fellow legislator Sirri Surreya Onder are also under suspicion of the same, according to Turkish authorities.

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HDP is the only political party in Turkey that opposes Operation Olive Branch, the military action in northern Syria against Kurdish fighters known as the YPG.

"An investigation has been launched into lawmakers Pervin Buldan and Sirri Sureyya Onder by the chief prosecutor for the crimes of carrying out terror propaganda, inciting grudges and enmity in the public," Reuters news agency reported, citing a document from the prosecutor's office.

Buldan, who is also a deputy speaker of the parliament, had been chosen by party delegates to be co-leader of the HDP on Sunday during its congress in Ankara.